Page 32 of Sex Positive

“Theo,” Charlie snaps before turning to Victoria, who appears to be contemplating whether to be amused or murder this stranger. “Victoria,thisis who I was just talking about. Theo Fox. Theo”—she shoots him a look that saysshut the fuck up—“thisisDr.Victoria Angelo, CEO and medical director of The Wild Rue.”

Victoria stands, extending her hand. “Nice to meet you. Charlie was just telling me about your podcast.”

Theo accepts her hand, something he failed to do with Charlie, but she’s grateful for small mercies. It’s less of a handshake, however, and more of an intense gaze into Victoria’s eyes like he’s trying to read her soul.

Crossing her arms over her chest, Charlie clears her throat.

Releasing Victoria’s hand, Theo slides his hands into the pockets of jeans that probably cost more than Charlie’s rent and proceeds to study the small office. He has shaved, his hair is styled, and he’s wearing a fitted cream sweater that she presumes is no less than the most expensive cashmere.

“I wanted to introduce myself and meet my future guest in person.” Theo picks up the stapler from Victoria’s desk, then replaces it and picks up the Labubu in a rainbow onesie.

“Is there anything specific you want to discuss?” Victoria tracks his movements, her gaze fixed on his long fingers. He returns the Labubu, drags his index finger through a mug full of pens, and turns a picture frame around to examine the photo of Victoria’s sister and nephew smiling brightly outside the Museum of Air and Space on a recent trip.

After tapping bobblehead Ruth Bader Ginsberg, he finishes his examination of Victoria’s personal belongings and sprawls in the lone empty chair. “I should be asking you that. Not sure if Charlie mentioned, but I frequently discuss sex and people’s personal histories with sex. I don’t have a lot of female guests, something I’m hoping to change.” He tips his head toward Victoria with a smile. “But I will abide by any limitations you set.”

Victoria nods, her expression inscrutable, yet Charlie has no doubt she’s taking the measure of Theo and forming her own impression.

“No personal questions,” she replies.

He tips his head. “That’s kind of the whole point. Sex sells, darling.”

Charlie’s stomach drops at Theo’s boldness.

Victoria raises her brows. “I have no problem talking about sex, but I don’t need to offer personal information to do so.”

Theo rests his cheek on a fist. “How do you take your coffee?”

“Black.”

Theo hums. “Me too. Any food restrictions?”

“No.”

Theo grins. “Excellent.”

What the fuck is happening?Charlie’s not sure if she’s imagining the sudden charge connecting the other two people in the room, but neither of them is paying any attention to her, and she feels like she’s intruding on something much too intimate.

She clears her throat. “What do these questions have to do with the episode?”

Theo continues studying Victoria. “I like to make sure my guests are comfortable when they visit the studio.”

“You couldn’t have just sent an email?”

Theo finally tears his gaze away from Victoria, arching a brow. “You gave the impression that this clinic is too important for a mere email, Charlotte.”

Charlie rolls her eyes. Based on their meeting yesterday and what she knows about his public persona, Theo Fox does whatever he wants whenever he wants while enjoying an air of mystery.

Rising to his feet, he taps the picture frame on the desk. “Cute kid.”

“My nephew,” Victoria replies. She leans back in her chair, gently swiveling back and forth.

He turns for the door, calling over his shoulder, “My producer, Bianca, will be in touch.”

“I’m looking forward to our discussion, Theo.” Victoria’s tone is the epitome of professionalism.

He gives a thoughtful hum, his fingers strumming against the doorframe. “How often are those protestors out there?”

“Every day,” Charlie replies.